archeologie-bordeaux-fouilles

Nine sarcophagi dating back over 1300 years have been found right in the heart of Bordeaux!

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The Editor

In the heart of Bordeaux, beneath the cobblestones between the Saint-Michel district and the Saint-Jean station, a significant archaeological discovery has recently been made. During the landscaping work on Renaudel square, preventive excavations conducted by Bordeaux Métropole revealed between 20 and 30 graves dating back to the Merovingian period.

Secrets buried since the Early Middle Ages

As part of the vegetalization works on Renaudel Square, located near the Sainte-Croix church, archaeological digs have uncovered nine stone sarcophagi dating from the 5th to 8th centuries. These trapezoidal sarcophagi, carved from local stone and covered with monolithic lids, are characteristic of the funerary practices of that time.

.sarcophages-bordeaux©Emilie Léget - Bordeaux Métropole

An Unearthed Necropolis Around the Abbey of Sainte-Croix

Along with these nine tombs, between 20 and 30 individuals were found under coffined graves dating from the 11th to 13th centuries and in-ground graves from the 15th to 17th centuries. This discovery highlights the use of the site as a necropolis for over 1,000 years, confirming the historical significance of the area, especially due to its proximity to the Abbey of Sainte-Croix.

archeologie-bordeaux©Emilie Léget - Bordeaux Métropole

The excavations, which will continue until the end of February, could still reveal new discoveries. In the meantime, the bones and sarcophagi are being studied and preserved by the DRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Starting in spring, construction site tours will be organized to allow the public to explore these remains and learn more about the funeral history of Bordeaux. Archaeology lovers are going to be thrilled!

place-renaudel-bordeaux-fouilles-archeologiques©Emilie Léget - Bordeaux Métropole